Plunger-rod for spring-wheels



J. L. HARDEN.

PLUNGER. ROD FOR SPRING WHEELS.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. 26, I918.

1,337fi68G Patented Apr. 13,1920.

UNITED srarns PATENT ormoa.

JACOB L. HARDEN, OF NQR'I'H PLATTE, NEBRASKA.

PLUNGER-ROD FOR SPRING-WHEELS.

Application filed March 28, 1918.

1 '0 all whomit may concern:

Be it known that I, .liioon L. Hannnx, a citizen of the United States, residing at North Platte, in the county of Lincoln and State of Nebraska, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Plunger- Rods for Springfil heels, of which the fol lowing is a specification.

This invention relates to improvements in spring wheels such as described and claimed in my U. S. Patent Number 1,256,479 and it is the principal object of the invention to provide a novel form of plunger therefor, whereby to insure proper movement of the outer rim with relation to the inner rim of the wheel and as a consequence, cause proper functioning of the spring cushioning means thereof.

It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a plunger rod having a flexible portion adapted for arrangement between the inner and outer rims of the wheel construction, whereby relative movement of said rims will be permitted and yet, will serve to transmit all shock or vibration. to the cushioning means.

In order that the invention and the manner of its application may be readily understood by those skilled in the art, I have in the accompanying illustrative drawings, and in the detailed following description based thereon, set forth a preferred embodimentof the invention.

In these drawings:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation partly in section showing the improved plunger rod engaged with the spring wheel, and

Fig. 2 is a transverse section through the outer rim showing the mode of connection between the flexible end of the piunger rod and the inner side of said rim.

Having more particular reference to the drawings, in connection with which like reference characters will designate corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings, 1 represents the inner rim of the wheel construction and 2 the outer rim thereof. Arcuate leaf springs 3 are arranged between said inner and outer rims; the intermediate portions of said springs being secured to the inner surface of the outer rim in spaced relation by a suitable means, while the free ends of the springs are engaged with shackles 4, which as will be noted, embrace portions of the inner rim 1 Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 13, 1920.

Serial No. 224.714.

and have their inner ends pivotally connected to said rim by means of brackets which are secured by screws or similar fas tening devices to the inner surface of the inner rim in spaced relation. Supplemental cushioning springs 6 are arranged upon the inner surface of the outer rim 2 and have the remaining ends thereof engaged with the adjacent portions of the leaf springs 3.

The improved plunger rod is formed from a rigid section 7, the outer end of which is screw threaded, while the inner end of the same is reduced as at 7 and apertured in order that the adjacent end of a series of pivotally connected links. 8 can be engaged therewith, the remaining ends of said series of links being adapted for engagement with the reduced apertured portion of a connecting bolt 9, the head of which is arranged in a countersunk opening formed in the bracket plate 10, which as will be noted, is secured to the inner surface of the outer rim 2 by bolts 11 passing therethrough and through the intermediate portion of the leaf spring 3. Pivotal connection between the reduced end of the bolt 9 and the adjacent end of the series of links 8 is effected by passing a pin 12 through the same and lockin the same against displacement by means of a cotter pin 13 or like device. To insure proper connection between the bracket plate 10 and the bolt 9, a locking nut lat is turned into engagement therewith and as will be noted. has bearing upon the adjacent portion of said bracket plate. Hence rattling or other undue movement of the bolt and the plunger rod connected thereto will be positively prevented.

The rigid portion of the plunger rod is slidably engaged in an opening formed in the adjacent portion of the inner rim 1, while upon the outer portion thereof, a coil spring 15 is arranged, the opposite ends of which have bearing upon the inner and outer rims 1 and 2 respectively. A second coil spring 16 is arranged upon the inner portion of the plunger rod, that is, that portion extending inwardly from the inner rim 1 and has bearing upon said inner rim and a washer plate 17 arranged upon a suitable locking nut 18 turned into engagement with the screw threaded extremity of the rigid portion 7 of the rod.

From the foregoing, it will be readily understood by persons skilled in the art that with my improved form of plunger rod,

relative movement of the inner and outer rims of the wheel construction will be permitted due to the flexible portion of the plunger rod formed by the series of pivotally connected links 8, thus, avoiding the necessity of slotting the inner rim 1 so as to allow movement of the plunger rod therein. Further, the plunger rod is of such construction as will permit all shock and vibration to the cushioning means of the wheel construction in order that the same will be fully absorbed.

Manifestly, the construction shown is capable of considerable modification and such modification as is within the scope of my claims, I consider within the spirit of my invention.

I claim: 1. In a spring wheel, inner and outer rims, cushioning means between said rims,

plunger rods working through the inner rim, each rod having an outer flexible link chain end, means connecting the chain end to the cushioning means, resilient means active between the rims to hold the chain end taut, adjustable means on the inner end of each rod, and resilient means working between said inner rim and said adjustable means.

2. In a spring wheel, inner and outer rims, cushioning means between the rims, plunger rods slidable through the inner rim and having outer flexible chain ends connected to the cushioning means, means for holding the flexible chain ends under tension, and movable brackets connected with the inner rim and supporting the cushioning means.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature hereto.

JACOB L. HARDEN. 

